Deborah Kelly is a Before your trip: Management consultant from England based in Sevenoaks, Kent, England. We were approaching 50, both self employed and able to take time off work. I had been made redundant previously, and had sufficient funds to afford it. Also, I had cancer five years ago and I was determined not to let things pass me by.
We wanted to go ‘all the way round’ and we wanted to do lots of driving (we actually drove over 13,000 miles in total). Australia and New Zealand had been on our ‘must see’ list for a while, and Route 66 sounded exciting. The other places just sort of happened, although Vietnam was a late addition and absolutely superb.
The Snapshot
- Departure: 2004
- Age at departure: 50
- Original budget: $44,800 (approximately $78,300 in 2026 dollars)
- Regions: Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania
The Route
London to New York. Drive to Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Niagara, Chicago, then drive Route 66 to Los Angeles, stopping in Las Vegas for my 50th birthday. LA – Auckland, then a month in a campervan touring both North and South islands of New Zealand. Christchurch – Melbourne, seven days driving Great Ocean Road and Victoria. Then flight to Sydney. Week in Sydney, then drive up through NSW and Queensland to Cairns. Cairns – Singapore Singapore – Hanoi, and one week escorted tour of Vietnam, including flights to Hue and from Da Nang to Saigon. Saigon – Bangkok – Hong Kong – London
Note: Originally planned for 2004, this route represents the traveler's intended RTW journey.
The planned route through Europe, Southeast Asia, Oceania reflects a strategic approach to experiencing vastly different cultures, climates, and ways of life. Each region offers distinct advantages for travelers: rich historical sites, contemporary culture, unique cuisines, and opportunities for meaningful connections with local communities.
In Their Words
Here's what Deborah Kelly shared about their RTW journey:
Why did you decide to take this trip? What got you into this type of travel, and/or influenced you to go? We were approaching 50, both self employed and able to take time off work. I had been made redundant previously, and had sufficient funds to afford it. Also, I had cancer five years ago and I was determined not to let things pass me by. We wanted to go ‘all the way round’ and we wanted to do lots of driving (we actually drove over 13,000 miles in total). Australia and New Zealand had been on our ‘must see’ list for a while, and Route 66 sounded exciting. The other places just sort of happened, although Vietnam was a late addition and absolutely superb.
What is your advice for people planning their own RTW trip? Do it soon – but enjoy the planning. Also, set up a weblog to let people know what you’re up to. Ours is at www.triquetra.co.uk/blog and we have enjoyed writing it. We have over 40 family and friends signed up to receive notification of our updates
What is the biggest myth that people have about round-the-world traveling? That it is prohibitively expensive.
Why do you like to travel? To see new places – I like geography and buildings.
Reflections on RTW Travel
Round-the-world travel represents a significant undertaking that combines careful planning with flexibility and adaptability. Deborah's experience demonstrates the importance of balancing preparation with spontaneity, understanding both the practical and emotional dimensions of extended travel. Whether traveling solo or with companions, the RTW journey offers unparalleled opportunities for personal growth, cultural understanding, and expanded global perspective. The stories and advice from travelers like these continue to inspire new generations to explore the world.
2026 Context
- Budget inflation: This traveler's original budget of $44,800 would equate to approximately $78,300 in 2026 purchasing power, reflecting roughly 75% inflation over the intervening years.
- Travel landscape: Since 2004, global travel patterns, visa requirements, and infrastructure have evolved significantly, impacting how travelers plan and execute RTW journeys.
- Legacy perspective: The original concerns, excitement, and travel advice captured here reflect a specific moment in travel history and offer valuable insight into how traveler motivations and planning approaches have evolved.